$10,000 Range Extender Claims Doubled Mileage; Experts Warn of Safety Risks and Legal Violations

Recently, social media platforms have seen a surge in aftermarket range extender modification services for electric vehicles (EVs), priced under RMB 10,000. Marketed with claims of “non-invasive installation” and “doubled range,” these offerings have attracted many early EV owners. Typically composed of a small-displacement engine, a generator, and a controller, these kits boast power outputs of 3–10 kW and claim to add roughly 100 kilometers of extra range to older EVs originally rated for just over 100 km. However, most such modifications are carried out by unlicensed operators and lack automotive-grade validation. They often suffer from inadequate cooling, insufficient thermal insulation, and weak crash protection—issues that can lead to wiring harness degradation, battery damage, or even spontaneous combustion. More seriously, installing a range extender without authorization constitutes an illegal vehicle modification that alters the original electrical system. In the event of an accident, insurers may deny coverage, leaving consumers with little recourse for compensation.